The Christmas Gonk That Lasts a Lifetime
- jaksart75
- Dec 6
- 3 min read
Every year, shops overflow with Christmas decorations — glittery, plasticky, shiny things designed to catch your eye… and then quietly disappear into landfill by January.
But not everything festive has to be fleeting.
My Christmas Gonks — carved lovingly from waste aerated concrete — are something different. They’re sturdy, soulful, weather-resistant, full of charm, and made to last a lifetime. They’re not throwaway decorations; they’re keepsakes.
And the real magic? They’re often made with family or friends, turning the act of carving into a moment that becomes part of the decoration itself.
A Sustainable Approach to Christmas Cheer
Christmas can be a surprisingly wasteful time of year — millions of decorations purchased, used briefly, and then discarded.Your carved Gonk is the opposite of that.
Made from upcycled, rescued material
Fully outdoor-friendly and can live happily in a garden
Equally at home on a windowsill or by the fireplace
Built to last for years and years
When someone carves a Gonk, they’re not just making something cute. They’re choosing a slower, more thoughtful, more sustainable way to celebrate the season.
It’s creativity that doesn’t cost the Earth — and may even save a few things from it.
A Decoration With a Story — Not Just a Look
A shop-bought decoration sits there and looks nice. A hand-carved Gonk? It has personality. Presence. A story.
And every Gonk carries its maker in it:
A slightly wonky nose
A beard someone softened with extra love
A hat shape that evolved unexpectedly
A smile that reflects the mood of the day
These aren’t just decorations; they’re moments captured in stone. When they come out every Christmas, they whisper,“Remember the day we made this?”
An Heirloom in the Making
Because they’re durable and weather-resistant, Christmas Gonks can be:
Passed to children as they grow, Gifted to grandparents, Swapped between siblings, Added to family traditions year after year.
Imagine future generations saying:“This was made by Mum in 2024”or“Grandad carved this one winter and we bring it out every Christmas.”
That’s the kind of decoration that doesn’t just sit on a shelf —it becomes part of a family’s story.
The Joy of Making Together
Something truly special happens when people carve together.Hands are busy, and barriers quietly fall away. Conversations become easier. Laughter comes naturally. Everyone is creating their own Gonk, yet somehow doing it together.
Workshops with friends or family become:
Shared memories
Precious time away from screens and rushing
Moments of connection that feel rare during busy seasons
A chance to slow down and enjoy being together
People come expecting to carve a decoration.They leave with a Gonk and a memory of precious time spent with someone they love.
A Gift That Means More
Whether carved by you or made during a workshop and gifted to someone else, a handmade Gonk says:
“I thought of you.”“I made this with my hands.”“This holds part of me.”
It’s a gift that doesn’t get shoved in a drawer. It gets displayed with pride.
Year after year after year.
Want to Make Your Own Sustainable Christmas Gonk?
You can join a festive Gonk-carving workshop at my studio in Coalville — perfect for:
Friends- Couples- Parents and teens- Workmates- Anyone who wants a calmer, more meaningful Christmas
Choose a date that suits you, settle in with a warm drink, and create something you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Explore workshops here:
Make this the Christmas where you don’t just decorate your home —you create something with heart, humour, and a sprinkle of handmade magic.
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